The Student Initiated Project option requires at least twelve credits of work chosen from ENVS 401 (Research), 403 (Senior Thesis), 406 (Field Studies), 408 (Workshop) or 409 (Practicum). These credits are for work which focuses on an environmental theme or issue. All SIPs require some written product. Information on the SIP option is available in the Environmental Studies Center.
Admission to this limited-enrollment program is competitive. After first talking with the SIP Supervisor, students must submit a formal proposal for their project. The proposal must discuss both the focus of the project and the desired distribution of credits. Admission to the program is based on the quality of the proposal (general focus, integration of activities, detailed planning) and an evaluation of the student's academic record. See your undergrad adviser.
GENERAL QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Q: What is the SIP?
A: The Student Initiated Project is an option within the Environmental Studies or Environmental Science major that allows students to develop a 12-credit course of study focused on a particular environmental problem or issue. The coursework would probably involve some combination of the following: ENVS 401 (Research), ENVS 404 (Internship), ENVS 405 (Reading), ENVS 406 (Field Studies), or ENVS 409 (Practicum). If you complete a 12-credit SIP, you are required to take five (rather than seven) upper-division electives.
Q: What types of projects are possible?
A: You might arrange an internship through a local conservation organization and spend your first quarter doing readings to learn about the kinds of work the group does and details of your particular project. Your second quarter might involve communication of your work through writing, public performance, or publication of information on the World Wide Web. You might develop an experimental environmental awareness or behavior program, and include in your project a way of evaluating the results of your experiment. You could design a creative project in the arts, a creative writing project, a solar greenhouse design and operation project, or a project involving music or dance. Past SIPs include water quality testing in the Tualatin and Long Tom watersheds; development of a campus-wide recycling program at Lane Community College as a model for other community colleges; and a comparison of environmental education at the local, regional, and national levels. If there is something that interests you, let us know and we'll try to help you develop it into a SIP.
Q: What goes into doing a SIP?
A: Regardless of the focus, each SIP will have these features:
- It will have a strong environmental focus. This does not mean that your project needs to reflect a particular position on an environmental issue or topic. It does mean that your project will have clear linkage to an environmental topic. The components of the project should be clearly integrated into some cohesive package; it should not be simply a collection of 12 credits of various Practicum experiences.
- The project will have a substantial written component. For example, an undergraduate thesis or major research project such as an Honor's College thesis may yield a written document that is three times the scope of the typical term paper. If an internship is part of your project, it should involve a series of written assignments that accompany the volunteer work that you engage in a t your internship placement.
- The project will reflect careful planning, a significant amount of which will have appeared in your proposal, as well as an ongoing relationship with your project advisor.
Q: Can any ENVS major apply for a SIP?
A: The SIP is intended primarily for upper-division students (juniors and seniors). Exceptions may be made for lower-division students with strong backgrounds, high scholarship, and well articulated goals. SIP staff are happy to talk with anyone, at any stage of their schooling about making plans for a SIP in the future.
Q: Why should I consider a SIP?
A: The SIP is not for everyone, but it does have several advantages for those with specific objectives.
- The SIP allows you to customize your ENVS or ESCI degree along a specific area of interest, which could better prepare you for employment or for additional studies.
- You are able to engage in and integrate experiences not available in traditional course-based programs.
- If you are considering graduate school the SIP can give you valuable undergraduate research or internship experience, as well as result in letters of recommendation.
Q: How long do I have to complete my project?
A: We expect that most students will spread their SIP over two or three quarters. In unusual cases where a well-organized, properly supervised, off-campus research experience is available, it is possible that a SIP could be completed in a single quarter or over one summer.
Q: How many applicants will be accepted?
A: The first phase of the SIP program has received funding from the College of Arts and Sciences to support a maximum of 15 students. If more than 15 applicants are found to be highly qualified, the 15 highest ranked applicants will be accepted, and additional support will be sought for these additional students.
Q: Can I include classes in my SIP?
A: All SIPs should dovetail in some way with your other coursework. In rare situations, a course may make up a part of the 12-credit SIP, but the intent of this program is to provide for an experience not available in regular coursework on this campus.
Q: How flexible are the requirements?
A: If you have a proposal that you feel meets the goals of this project, but aren't certain how to fit it into the guidelines suggested here, please talk to your major advisor. Given a suitable project, we can help you work up a proposal and reporting guidelines.
Q: Do other UO departments have SIP programs?
A: The Environmental Studies SIP is somewhat like the undergraduate research thesis and research opportunities available in almost every UO department. There are two notable exceptions. First, the SIP is a competitive, limited-enrollment program, and requires a formal application. This means that you could be denied access to the program, either because of the quality of your proposal or your academic record, or because university funds are not available to allow for additional SIP students. Second, the SIP program's 12-credit package allows you more time than is typical of the 9-credit undergraduate thesis, or limited-credit use of open-ended numbers.
Back to Top of Page
RESOURCES
Q: Where can I find examples of projects I might consider?
A: The SIP is intended to be a self-designed project; thus you are responsible for putting together a proposal that fits your particular interests and objectives. We do have examples of proposals in the program office that may give you ideas of possible ways to structure your SIP.
Q: Where might I find internships appropriate to my interests?
A: The Environmental Studies office and the undergraduate advisors have a list of organizations you may wish to consider. This is a partial list, and we encourage you to explore additional organizations, agencies, companies, or individuals who are well-suited to your proposed objectives.
Q: What information is available to help me?
A: The ENVS office has several resources. The ENVS Major and Minor information sheet can be found there. In addition, the ENVS office maintains a large selection of periodicals and some books which you may find helpful. Additionally, you may wish to visit the Honors College library in Chapman Hall to review Honors theses for project ideas. You can also review some SIP proposals in the ENVS office SIP binder. And of course, we encourage you to contact your major advisor for questions, information, or assistance.
Back to Top of Page
THE SIP PROPPOSAL
Q: When is the deadline for application?
A: We will accept proposals at any time, but in order to be approved for an upcoming term, you should have proposal to use two weeks before the start of registration for the term in which you hope to start your SIP. Since we often make suggestions about modifications to your proposal, the earlier you get it in to us, the more time you will have to revise your proposal.
Q: What is the process of applying for a SIP?
A: Refer to the SIP application proposal guidelines at the end of this information.
Q: Who will supervise my SIP?
A: Your major advisor will assist you in getting started and will coordinate activities among the SIP participants, but once you are accepted, your primary interaction will be with your SIP Project advisor.
Q: Who will my SIP project advisor be?
A: Your project advisor will be a faculty member with whom you work throughout the duration of your project. This person should be one who has expertise or interest in the nature of the work you propose to do. Although it is your responsibility to find a project advisor, your major advisor may be able to help you identify faculty to approach with your proposal.
Q: Do I need to find a project advisor before I submit my proposal?
A: It will improve your chances of being accepted if you plan your proposal with a faculty member in mind, but your major advisor can help you in the planning stages to identify potential faculty members if you have a project that you are excited about, but aren't sure whom to ask to be your project advisor. All SIPs will have a project advisor (separate from your major advisor).
Q: To whom do I submit my proposal? Where?
A: Proposals can be turned in at any time to your major advisor. To locate your advisor’s office, visit the Advising page.
Q: How will my proposal be evaluated?
A: SIP applicants will be evaluated based on the quality of your proposal and our estimation of the likelihood that your project will result in a meaningful and educational experience for you. Factors that we will take into account include your past academic record, your course plan, and your ability to work in a self-directed manner as judged by the recommendations of the references listed in your proposal.
Back to Top of Page
SIP PROPOSAL GUIDELINES
These general guidelines should be followed in preparing and submitting a SIP proposal:
- Review the SIP Question and Answer sheet, the Environmental Studies/Environmental Science Major and Minor information sheet, the SIP Resource List, and SIP example proposals. These are available in the Environmental Studies Program office (144 Columbia).
- Decide on a topic or area of focus; make a preliminary search to find out if there are information resources available (library or community groups or organizations); consider which faculty you might be interested in having as an advisor; and think about what kind of report or product you might produce.
- Schedule a meeting with your major advisor (see below) to discuss your proposal. We're here to help you!
- Write a SIP proposal. This proposal should be approximately four pages long and should include the following components:
- Title: This should indicate the focus of your project.
Abstract: A one-paragraph summary of your project.
Background: Why are you interested in doing this project?
Objective: What do you hope to accomplish?
Method(s): How will your project be conducted (what will you do, where will you do it, with whom, etc.)?
Course Plan: What will comprise your 12-credit SIP package (i.e., research, internship, etc.)? How will this project complement other courses you have taken and plan to take?
Timeline: What do you expect to accomplish each quarter?
Resources: What information (literature, organizations, etc.) exist that could help you in this work?
Faculty Project Advisor: Which faculty might you be interested in having serve as an advisor?
Your Product: What will your final project report consist of?
References: Give the name and phone number of one to three people (faculty members would be preferable) who could assess your ability to work independently. - Submit your proposal, along with a recent copy of your academic transcript, to your major advisor or to the Environmental Studies Program office (144 Columbia Hall).
For More Information
Contact your major advisor if you're interested in discussing a possible project or have any questions.
Back to Top of Page